Freshfields rolls out resilience training for aspiring lawyers preparing for City law careers

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Leading international law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP has launched a series of ‘resilience’ workshops for university students, which are designed to prepare the next generation of lawyers for the pressures of City practice.

The magic circle firm, which recruits around 85 trainee solicitors each year, has been delivering the sessions at leading UK universities in recent weeks, as reported by Legal Cheek. Sessions have been held at the University of Manchester, the University of Exeter, the University of Warwick and University College London.

Titled Resilience in Action, the workshops aim to equip aspiring lawyers with strategies for managing stress and maintaining composure in high‑pressure situations typical of junior City roles. According to training materials reported about by the Financial News, the sessions cover scenarios such as receiving challenging partner feedback, responding to late‑night requests and handling client pushback on legal advice. The workshops aim to develop emotional awareness, stress‑management techniques and methods for reframing criticism, with the aim of smoothing the transition from academic study to professional life.

This initiative reflects a wider trend among major law firms to address wellbeing concerns among younger cohorts entering the profession. Freshfields’ move comes amid ongoing discussion about the expectations placed on junior solicitors, with firms increasingly investing in early‑career support to improve retention and performance.

A Freshfields spokesperson commented: “We support lawyers of the future with skills-focused, interactive workshops that reflect the realities of legal work. Students learn practical reframing techniques to build resilience so they can perform to the best of their ability, maintain perspective and look after their wellbeing as they pursue a career in law.”

Top firms Addleshaw Goddard and Clyde & Co LLP also plan to launch resilience and wellbeing programmes covering a range of areas and skills, with Addleshaw Goddard beginning sessions this January and Clyde & Co following in the coming months.